Trump mulls military action in Iran as activists report protest deaths

Nationwide protests raged on in Iran over the weekend, with activist groups stating Sunday morning that more than 500 protesters are dead and more than 10,000 have been detained in recent weeks as the theocratic government attempts to quell the unrest.

Over the past two weeks, thousands have demonstrated across Iran, calling for change in the economically debilitated nation, which has been hindered by last year’s brief war with Israel and U.N. sanctions.

On Sunday, The New York Times reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the protests this weekend on state TV, saying: “Our responsibility is to solve and address people’s grievances. But we also have a duty not to let rioters destabilize the country.”

The Associated Press reported early Sunday that Pezeshkian said officials will listen to protesters, but “rioters” are trying to “destroy the entire society.”

President Donald Trump has previously said the United States could strike Iran if protesters are killed. The New York Times reported Saturday he has been briefed on potential options, including military strikes, quoting anonymous officials.

The Associated Press reported Sunday morning that 10,670 people have been detained since demonstrations began, attributing the information to activists. NBC News quoted Human Rights Activists News Agency, an American activist organization, in tallying “at least 538” protester deaths through Sunday.

This developing story will be updated.